Registration is now CLOSED. We look forward to seeing all of the competitors at this year's competition!
Late entry deadline (if space is available, with $50 late fee) is Monday, December 29th, 2025 at 11:59pm ET. The LOC reserves the right to close registration at any time prior to the deadline if event capacity is met.
The Empire State Winter Games operates and runs using volunteers, we cannot make this happen without you! Interested in volunteering? Then save the dates: February 5 - 8, 2026. Click here to volunteer!
This competition is Sanctioned with USFSA:
Singles/Dance: 36722
Synchro: 36723
STATE GAMES OF AMERICA ELIGIBILITY
A solo athlete must meet at least ONE of the following guidelines to represent New York State in the State Games of America Figure Skating Competition:
- Be a resident of New York State
- Be a full-time student at an academic institution in New York State
- Be a registered member of a figure skating club in New York State, or have their primary training location be in New York State
Any solo athlete that meets any of the above criteria would be classified in the competition as a participant from New York State for the purpose of distribution of invitations for the 2026 State Games of America. Solo skaters representing New York State must have placed first through third (gold, silver, or bronze medal) in the 2024, 2025, and/or 2026 Empire State Winter Games to qualify. Skaters from other states would be classified in the competition as a participant from their own state for the purpose of distribution of invitations for the 2026 State Games of America. Skaters representing states that are not members of the National Congress of State Games (e.g., Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine) may participate at ESWG and qualify as members of their home state if they place in the top 3 among skaters from their state. Skaters representing other states that are members of the National Congress of State Games (e.g., Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey) may compete at ESWG, however their participation will not qualify them for the 2026 State Games of America, regardless of placement, due to their residency outside of New York. Skaters who qualify in any event within a particular sport may enter all eligible events within that sport at the 2026 SGA.
Please note that the 2026 State Games of America is not offering Synchronized Skating events, so Synchronized teams from any state may compete at ESWG but will not advance to SGA.
ELIGIBILITY/TEST LEVEL
Empire State Winter Games Figure Skating Events will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of U.S. Figure Skating, as set forth in the current rulebook, as well as any pertinent updates which have been posted on the U.S. Figure Skating website.
ELIGIBILITY
This competition is open to all eligible, restricted, reinstated, or readmitted persons as defined by the Eligibility Rules and are currently registered members of a U.S. Figure Skating member club, a collegiate club, or an individual member in accordance with the current rulebook.
All skaters must have a New York State affiliation in one or more of the following ways: reside in New York State, attend school in New York State, be a member of a New York State Figure Skating Club or have their primary training location in New York State. Skaters who do not have a State Games in their own state may also compete.
Skaters from other states would be classified in the competition as a participant from their own state for the purpose of distribution of invitations for the 2026 State Games of America. Skaters from other states can only qualify if their state does not offer games or they meet the criteria above.
Adult events are open to skaters age 18 and up as of the entry deadline.
TEST LEVEL
The competition level is the highest test passed as of the entry deadline in the discipline the skater is entering. Entrants may skate one level above that for which they qualify, but they may not skate down in any event. Skaters may only enter ONE level per event. Skaters entering beginner–pre-juvenile events will be divided as closely as possible by age should the number of entries warrant more than one group. The LOC reserves the right to combine levels where there are not enough entries. Synchronized team age and test level eligibility requirements may be found in the US Figure Skating rulebook. Please refer to event announcement document for further details.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 5 - Sunday, February 8
The schedule will be posted at the rink and online – All Day – Lake Placid Olympic Center
PRACTICE ICE
Practice ice will only be sold during an Open Sales period. There will be no pre-purchases. Unofficial practice ice (UPI) is not included in your entry fee and can only be purchased through the EMS Competition Portal. Practice ice will be limited and held at the Olympic Center. Information regarding practice ice will also be emailed to all competitors and posted on the event website. There will be no practice ice for synchro.
All practice ice information will be available online and will also be e-mailed to all the registered competitors. This information will be made available as soon as possible.
MUSIC UPLOAD/SUBMISSION
Competitors participating in events with music are required to upload their music to EMS.
PHOTO AND VIDEO
Cinematic Images by CV Productions is the official photographer and Videographer for the 2026 Empire State Winter Games. Photos will be available for purchase in the Olympic Center building across from Roamers Cafe on the day of the event. Video (excluding audio) is included in the cost of registration and will be delivered after the competition.
PLANNED PROGRAM CONTENT (PPC)/ SUBMISSION
Competitors participating in events using the IJS Scoring System are required to upload their PPCs to EMS.
NOTE TO PATTERN DANCE EVENTS
Standard Solo Pattern Dances will be skated at this event, with standard steps according to the rulebook (choice of lead or follow steps, and no variation dances). Refer to event announcement document for a list of the dances.
CHECK-IN
All athletes must check in at the Empire State Winter Games athlete check-in location.
Athletes should also make sure to check in with the ice monitor before each event. There will be a figure skating information desk. Awards schedules, practice ice information, and results will be available at the desk. Coaches should check in at the figure skating information desk prior to their first event to receive a credential.
There will be a figure skating information desk located in the Olympic Center across from Roamer's Cafe. Look for the banner and staff will be there to assist you with your questions.
LIABILITY
U.S. Figure Skating, the Skating Club of Lake Placid, and the NYS Olympic Regional Development Authority accept no responsibility for injury or damage sustained by any participant in this competition. This is in accordance with Rule 1600 of the official U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook.
AWARDS
Medals will be awarded for 1st-3rd places in contested events. Award ceremonies will occur throughout the day in the Olympic Center building located at Miracle Plaza. An awards schedule will be available at Miracle Plaza and at the figure skating information desk.
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